Introduction

The FIFA World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events on the planet, uniting nations through passion, competition, and celebration. In 2026, the world’s biggest football tournament will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, marking the first time three countries have jointly hosted a World Cup. For Canada, this is a historic milestone—an opportunity to showcase its diversity, hospitality, and global leadership.

On December 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a major announcement:
Canada is preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the FIFA World Cup 26™, and all travellers are strongly encouraged to apply early for the visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) they need to enter the country.

With matches scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver between June 11 and July 19, 2026, IRCC is working closely with FIFA and other federal partners to ensure that the event runs smoothly and securely. As excitement builds worldwide, this blog explores everything fans, teams, officials, and volunteers need to know about visiting Canada for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup is Historic for Canada

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup promises to be the largest tournament ever held:

✔ 48 national teams (expanded from 32)

✔ Millions of global visitors

✔ 13 matches hosted in Canadian stadiums

✔ New tournament format

✔ Massive international fan engagement

Canada previously showcased exceptional hosting capabilities during events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the 2015 Pan Am Games. But the World Cup 26™ is expected to surpass all these in scale, economic impact, and global visibility.

Hosting the World Cup is more than a sports celebration—it is a major economic catalyst. According to IRCC:

🌎 The 2026 tournament is expected to:

• Generate nearly 25,000 jobs
• Add around $2 billion to Canada’s economy
• Attract hundreds of thousands of fans to Toronto and Vancouver
• Drive growth in tourism, hospitality, retail, and transport sectors

Canada is ready, and preparations are underway across border management, stadium operations, immigration screening, and city logistics.

Canada Will Welcome Teams from 12+ Countries

Fans from around the world are preparing to cheer for their favourite teams on Canadian soil. According to IRCC, the following countries are scheduled to play matches in Canada:

🇩🇪 Germany
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire
🇬🇭 Ghana
🇵🇦 Panama
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇸🇳 Senegal
🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇪🇬 Egypt
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇶🇦 Qatar
🇨🇭 Switzerland

Each of these nations brings a massive fanbase. Toronto and Vancouver are preparing for a showdown of cultures, flags, jerseys, music, and unforgettable football energy.

Why IRCC Emphasizes — Apply Early!

A match ticket does NOT serve as a ticket into Canada.

Everyone entering Canada must have the appropriate immigration documents. Due to the expected surge in global travel volume, IRCC expects significant pressure on visa processing systems.

IRCC’s main message:

Apply early to avoid processing delays.

Even if applications are approved quickly, last-minute submissions may experience slower processing times due to high volume.

Most visitors will need either:

• a Visa (for visa-required countries), OR
• an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (for visa-exempt travellers arriving by air)

IRCC has built a dedicated web page for the World Cup 26™, providing complete information on:

• entry requirements
• visa processing
• eTA eligibility
• transit rules
• temporary work permits (for volunteers, staff, media)
• border screening expectations

This ensures smooth arrival and participation for fans, teams, and staff.

Canada’s Commitment to Safe and Efficient Immigration Screening

For an event of this magnitude, international cooperation is crucial. Canada, the U.S., and Mexico are coordinating together across:

✔ Border management

✔ Visitor transportation networks

✔ Security systems

✔ Biometrics collection

✔ Temporary work permit processing

✔ Data sharing (where legally applicable)

The shared goal:
A seamless, safe, and world-class World Cup experience.

This means visitors should not rely on the assumption that event tickets will solve their travel or visa issues. IRCC emphasizes that:

❗ Border officers, not event organizers, make final decisions on entry at Canadian ports of entry.

Visitors must meet all eligibility requirements before and upon arrival in Canada.

Impact on Canada’s Local Communities and Businesses

Since the World Cup draws millions of visitors worldwide every four years, Canada expects:

🏘 Increased hotel bookings

🛍 Boost in retail sales

🍽 Restaurants and food services growth

🚕 High demand for transport & ride-sharing

📸 Tourism spike for iconic locations

💼 Business growth from international investors

A study estimates that Toronto and Vancouver alone could welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors, injecting unprecedented financial benefits into the local economy.

Small businesses—from cafés to souvenir shops—will experience some of their busiest seasons ever.

Canada’s Message to Fans, Teams, and Volunteers

IRCC and government officials delivered a clear message:

“A match ticket is not a ticket into Canada — apply early.”

This warning, made by Minister Lena Metlege Diab, highlights the need for proper planning. Fans often assume buying a ticket to a match is enough to enter the host country. But immigration documentation is a separate requirement.

Visitors must:

✔ Check which travel document they need (Visa or eTA)

✔ Apply well before June 2026

✔ Ensure passport validity

✔ Follow IRCC instructions carefully

✔ Keep updated through official IRCC channels

World Cup Travel Documents — What You Need to Know

Here’s a breakdown of what visitors may need depending on their nationality:

1. Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

Required for travellers from countries that are not visa-exempt.

Visitors must provide:

• Passport
• Photos
• Purpose of travel
• Ties to home country
• Financial proof
• Biometrics (in most cases)

Processing times vary, which is why IRCC urges early applications.

2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

For visa-exempt travellers arriving by air.

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Email address
• Small processing fee
• Quick online form

Most eTA applications get approved within minutes, but delays can happen if manual review is required.

3. Work Permits

For temporary staff, volunteers, match officials, media crew, and support teams.

Some may qualify under special exemptions or streamlined processes.

Visitor Tips — How to Prepare for Your Trip to Canada

To ensure a smooth travel experience, IRCC recommends the following:

✔ Apply for visa/eTA at least months before travel

✔ Double-check passport validity (must extend beyond travel dates)

✔ Keep all travel documents accessible

✔ Use only official IRCC websites for application

✔ Stay updated with match schedules and travel advisories

✔ Book accommodation early (Toronto & Vancouver will fill up fast!)

Canada’s World Cup Legacy — Beyond Football

Hosting the World Cup goes beyond 90 minutes on the pitch. It strengthens:

• national pride
• cultural exchange
• tourism development
• urban infrastructure
• international partnerships

For Canada, a multicultural nation with strong communities from participating countries (e.g., Germany, Ghana, Egypt, Croatia), the World Cup is an opportunity to celebrate diversity.

It will also leave lasting legacies in:

• transport upgrades
• stadium modernization
• tourism brand recognition
• stronger immigration collaboration
• business partnerships

Quotes from Canadian Officials

🇨🇦 Minister Lena Metlege Diab:

“A match ticket isn’t a ticket into Canada. Prepare early.”

🇨🇦 Secretary of State (Sport), Adam van Koeverden:

“This event will unite fans from every corner of the globe.”

These statements emphasize Canada’s readiness and commitment to creating a world-class, safe, seamless experience.

Conclusion: Prepare Early and Be Part of Football History

The FIFA World Cup 26™ is not just another sporting event—it is a global phenomenon that brings nations together in a powerful celebration of unity, diversity, and passion.

As Canada prepares to host thousands of fans, athletes, and visitors, IRCC is taking steps to ensure:

✔ Safe travel

✔ Efficient immigration processing

✔ Strong border security

✔ Smooth tournament operations

If you plan to attend matches in Toronto or Vancouver, the most important step is simple:

👉 Apply early for your visa or eTA.

Don’t let paperwork delays stop you from experiencing football history live in Canada. Prepare now and be part of the world’s biggest celebration in 2026!